Spring Event Guide 2020

19/20

thebarclay.org

Spring Event Guide

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Broadcast from London May 12

starring Gwendoline Christie (Game of Thrones) Photo: Manuel Harlan

TheBarclay.org

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Just look at us now!

Irvine Barclay Theatre has created something extraordinary —a season of high-energy excitement from beginning to end. In the fall, we saw more artists than ever before performing on our stage — and the best is yet to come! The line-up is a veritable wish list of talent: Jazz great Arturo Sandoval, Broadway favorite Lucie Arnaz and Israeli superstar, Noa, will grace the Barclay stage in the coming months.

We’ll sample the flavors of flamenco with the leading musicians and dancers from Spain, experience the sounds of the Islands with Hawaiian master guitarist Keola Beamer, and celebrate the infectious rhythm and energy of the Harlem Renaissance with Ain’t Misbehavin.’ If you’re seeking out the new and adventurous, explore our expanded National Geographic Live series, an audience favorite. And check out Kevin Kwan, the best-selling author of Crazy Rich Asians, appearing as part of our Fresh Take series, hosting speakers and authors sharing their work and their take on today.

I especially want to thank our season sponsor, UCI Health, as well as all of our other generous sponsors, acknowledged throughout the pages of this patron guide. Ticket sales cover less than half the costs associated with operating this world-class performing arts venue right in your backyard. As an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we depend upon your contributions to bridge the gap. With your invaluable support, we’ll make Orange County an even better place to live.

The Barclay is blazing a path into an even more extraordinary future.

We hope you’ll join us.

Jerry Mandel, Ph.D. President P.S. Be sure to check our website for a full list of artists coming to Irvine Barclay Theatre this season.

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19 –20 Season Sponsor

Kevin Kwan

Photo: Stephen Gutierrez

Thu, Feb 6, 8pm Internationally acclaimed author Kevin Kwan is best known for his breakout debut novel, Crazy Rich Asians, which became something of a cultural phenomenon, topping best-seller lists worldwide, spawning two best-selling sequels and inspiring a #1 movie. Crazy Rich Asians made cinematic history as the first romantic comedy from a major Hollywood studio to feature an Asian lead actor and actress and the first Hollywood studio film in 26 years to feature an all-Asian cast.

With humor and fascinating insight, Kwan discusses creativity and the cultural impact of his novels.

Keola Beamer

with Moanalani Beamer Fri, Feb 7, 8pm

Photo: Paul Rockover

Hawaiian music legend Keola Beamer has stretched the boundaries of slack-key guitar music while remaining true to the soul of its deeply Hawaiian roots. His 1978 release, “Honolulu City Lights,” is one of the all-time best-selling records in Hawaiian music history. Today, he is one of Hawai'i’s premier singer-songwriters, arrangers, composers and masters of the Hawaiian slack-key guitar. Keola is joined by Kumu Hula Moanalani Beamer, whose style reflects the long hula lineage of the Beamer family.

Series Sponsors:

The Hiland Foundation The Richard & Elizabeth Steele Fund

Ain’t Misbehavin’

The Fats Waller Musical Revue

Taking its title from the 1929 Fats Waller song, Ain’t Misbehavin’ is a high-spirited, feel-good tribute to the Harlem Renaissance.

Photo: Kerri Garrison

Feb 8 –9 Sat at 8pm, Sun at 2 & 7pm Go on an exhilarating musical journey back in time as five dynamic performers present an evening of sassy and humorous songs, capturing the electric vibe of the 20s and 30s, where the surroundings are posh and the hip nightclub dives are filled with piano players banging out the new beat known as swing. Infused with infectious rhythm and energy, Ain’t Misbehavin’ is “a boozy, after hours party, and we’re all invited.” – Huffington Post TheBarclay.org

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Dance Visions with the UCI Symphony Orchestra Molly Lynch and Tong Wang, artistic directors Dr. Stephen Tucker, conductor

Feb 20, 21, 22 at 8pm | Feb 22 at 2pm

Photo: Rose Eichenbaum

This annual premier dance concert of the season presents exhilarating choreography by the UCI Dance faculty, showcasing the talent of undergraduate and graduate performers. Works in a variety of genres will be staged and choreographed by Lar Lubovitch, Chad Michael Hall and Tong Wang. The performance is accompanied by the UCI Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Stephen Tucker.

Lar Lubovitch: Dvořák Serenade

Georgia On My Mind

A Celebration of Ray Charles and His Music FEATURING

Take 6, Nnenna Freelon, Kirk Whalum and Clint Holmes

Sun, Feb 23, 7pm Featuring an all-star cast of awardwinning performers, Georgia on My Mind is an exciting celebration that honors the music of the legendary Ray Charles.

Boasting cherished hit songs, including Hit the Road Jack, Baby It’s Cold Outside, Alexander’s Ragtime Band and Georgia On My Mind, this dazzling, soulful night of music is filled with iconic tunes and magnetic, spirit-lifting performances.

Baby, Let the Good Times Roll…

Wed, Feb 26, 8pm

Sponsored by:

Co-founded by Artistic Director Willy Tsao, a pioneer and champion of modern dance in China. LDTX stands for Lei Dong Tian Xia, meaning “Thunder Rumbles the Universe.”

Charlie and Ling Zhang | An Anonymous Fund of the Orange County Community Foundation

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Photo: YIN Peng

BeijingDance/ LDTX: Arc

Embodying striking individuality and exquisite technique, BeijingDance/LDTX has performed its extensive repertoire in more than 20 countries throughout five continents. Arc, the company’s evening-length work, explores the ups and downs of life. Choreographed by Mongolian resident artist, Adiya, and performed by dancers chosen from across China, Arc is a beguiling dance experience, reflecting a kaleidoscope of life — stunningly original and always surprising.

Tom Scott & the L.A. Express Thu, Feb 27, 8pm With over 30 solo recordings and over 500 as guest artist to his name, Tom Scott is a legendary saxophonist, composer and arranger who has garnered 3 Grammy Awards and 14 nominations and has worked with such diverse artists as Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Carol King, Paul McCartney, the Blues Brothers and Steely Dan. Playing with pulsating energy and heart, Tom Scott & the L.A. Express is extraordinarily eclectic, cutting edge and cool as ever. Featuring Billy Valentine, a singer-songwriter who has collaborated with such greats as Will Jennings, the Neville Brothers and Ray Charles.

Chaplin’s Smile A Musical Tribute to Charlie Chaplin Fri, Feb 28, 8pm

Philippe Quint, violin

Co-presented with

Sponsored by:

Michelle and David Horowitz

BeauSoleil

An unmistakable and endearing character in his bowler hat and mustache, Charlie Chaplin composed almost all of the music in his films. This unique program juxtaposes Chaplin’s love songs with those great composers who influenced him, including Debussy, Stravinsky, Brahms and Gershwin.

Screen clips of Chaplin’s silent era films (and rare video footage of Chaplin conducting his orchestras in recording sessions) are accompanied by multi Grammy Awardnominated violinist Philippe Quint.

avec Michael Doucet

Sat, Feb 29, 8pm Just try to keep your feet still when BeauSoleil takes the stage! Combining a zesty gumbo of musical styles including zydeco, New Orleans jazz, blues-rock, country and bluegrass, this Grammy Award-winning band from Lafayette, Louisiana never fails to delight audiences with its high-spirited performances. Driven by bandleader Michael Doucet’s spellbinding fiddle playing and soulful vocals, BeauSoleil makes the most popular Cajun music on the planet.

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The Finest Hour Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Music that Ended WWII Wed, Mar 4, 8pm The music of the Greatest Generation inspired a nation with its everlasting songs of love and romance. Featuring the iconic tunes of Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, and such timeless classics as “As Time Goes By,” “I’ll Be Seeing You,” and “That Old Black Magic,” The Finest Hour will make you want to “Boogie Woogie” all over again!

We Shall Overcome A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. featuring Damien Sneed Sat, Mar 7, 8pm Pre-show lecture with Frank Wilderson III, Professor and Chair of African American Studies at UC Irvine, at 7pm.

Damien Sneed has collaborated with Diana Ross and Wynton Marsalis while also serving as Aretha Franklin’s longtime music director. Now he takes center stage in a show of his own that celebrates the movement inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. From his commanding post at the piano, he leads an electrifying ensemble of gospel singers and jazz musicians as they perform cherished R&B classics, riveting jazz compositions and more —from Duke Ellington and Stevie Wonder to traditional spirituals and music from the hit Broadway musical The Wiz.

Kahulanui

The Hawaiian Kings of Swing Thu, Mar 12, 8pm Kahulanui’s energy and dynamic musical arrangements have caused a sensation throughout the Islands and across America.

The Grammy-nominated nine-piece band — four horns plus guitar, bass, ukulele, drums and steel — blends traditional Hawaiian music and the big band swing of the 1920s and ’30s to create a sound that’s all their own — invigorating, vibrant and timeless. Kahulanui’s CD, Mele Ho’oilina, was awarded the 2018 N H k Hanohano Award (Hawai’i’s Grammy) for Best Jazz Album of the Year and is Hawaiian swing at its finest!

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Series Sponsors: The

Hiland Foundation The Richard & Elizabeth Steele Fund

Toying with Science with Garry Krinsky Fri, Mar 13, 7:30pm

Photo: Lewis Becker Photography

Enter the zany, fun-filled world of Garry Krinsky’s Toying with Science. Known as a “living cartoon” for his non-stop energy and animated movement, Garry Krinsky uses stunning circus skills, interactive demonstrations and plenty of audience participation to explore the fascinating scientific principles that define our world. It’s a dynamic, fast-paced show brimming with original, upbeat songs, humor and delightful insight.

Science has never been so much fun!

Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Karla Bonoff and Livingston Taylor Sat, Mar 14, 8pm

Photos: Taylor (Mim Adkins) / Bonoff (Gary Lambert)

Two beloved singer-songwriters on one stage.

Karla Bonoff’s soaring melodies and deeply personal lyrics have earned her fans worldwide.

And the hits she penned for other artists like Bonnie Raitt (“Home”), Linda Ronstadt (“All My Life”) and Wynonna Judd (“Tell Me Why”) have influenced countless singer-songwriters through the years. • Armed with his acoustic guitar and a voice infused with a smooth, rich timbre, Livingston Taylor is a natural performer, peppering his shows with personal stories, anecdotes and ineffable warmth that connect him to his fans.

Israeli Superstar:

Photo: Bernardo Doral

Sun, Mar 15, 7pm

Noa

Noa is an internationally beloved singer-songwriter from Israel, who has performed on the world’s most prestigious stages, including the White House, Carnegie Hall, and the most important theaters of Europe. A passionate performer, blessed with an angelic voice, she has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, Sting and Andrea Bocelli. Together with her musical director and guitarist Gil Dor, she brings to the stage a program including songs from her inspiring and original repertoire. At the heart of the concert are songs from Letters to Bach, her newly released album produced by the legendary Quincy Jones — a project combining Noa’s heartfelt lyrics with the timeless music of Bach.

Sponsored by:

Aviva and Fred Forster TheBarclay.org

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Introducing Irvine Barclay Theatre’s Jewel Box Seat Campaign

We saved you a seat at the Barclay!

Here’s your chance to name it.

As Irvine Barclay Theatre celebrates its 30th anniversary, we invite you to join us in honoring the theatre’s past and launching it into a bright future by naming a brand-new seat in our jewel box hall.

By naming a seat at the Barclay, you are leaving your legacy for years to come.

You’re also joining a group of individuals, corporations and foundations committed to supporting the Barclay’s mission of broadening the scope, appreciation and accessibility of the arts in Orange County. Reserve your seat today!

Premier Diamond Diamond Emerald Ruby Sapphire Amethyst

For more information, contact Michelle Brouwer, Irvine Barclay Theatre Special Projects Manager: brouwer@thebarclay.org 8 Irvine Barclay Theatre

On the Trail of

Big Cats Wed, Mar 18, 8pm Photo: Steve Winter / Inset: Sharon Guynup

Steve Winter, photographer

Get daringly close to tigers, snow leopards, jaguars and cougars through the unforgettable stories and images of award-winning National Geographic photographer Steve Winter.

Series Sponsor:

Thu, Mar 19, 8pm

Yuan Yuan Tan & Tiit Helimets (principal dancers from San Francisco Ballet). Photo: Dave Friedman

Internationally acclaimed jazz trumpeter, pianist and composer, Arturo Sandoval has been dazzling audiences worldwide with his blazing virtuosity and flawless technical skill. A protégé of the legendary jazz master Dizzy Gillespie, Sandoval’s versatility can be heard on recordings with everyone from Dizzy, Woody Herman and Tony Bennett to Johnny Mathis, Frank Sinatra and Rod Stewart.

A 10-time Grammy Award winner and one of the most dynamic and vivacious live performers of our time, Sandoval “reaches notes and sustains riffs that seem to defy gravity.”

(The New York Times)

Arturo Sandoval

Swan Lake F E S T I VA L B A L L E T T H E AT R E Salwa Rizkalla, artistic director

Sat, Mar 21, 7pm | Sun, Mar 22, 2pm Set to Tchaikovsky’s elegantly moving score, Swan Lake is the story of young Prince Siegfried and Odette, the Swan Queen, a young girl doomed to be a swan by day and a woman by night.

Swan Lake’s spectacular beauty, power and grace reminds us all of the transformative power of love. This beloved classical ballet is choreographed by Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla, after Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, and features world renowned guest artists in the lead roles.

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Gala Flamenca Thu, Mar 26, 8pm Three of Spain’s leading dancers, Mercedes Ruiz, Eduardo Guerrero and María Moreno come together in celebration of the passion, power and poetry of flamenco. With breathtaking technical skill and a true Gypsy aesthetic, these charismatic artists have sparked the imagination of people everywhere, adding dazzling new dimensions to the language of flamenco. This program features guest artist, singer Maria Terremoto, and a cast of magnificent musicians.

Sponsored by:

Drs. Hana and Francisco Ayala An Anonymous Fund of the Orange County Community Foundation

Mnozil Brass Fri, Mar 27, 8pm Hailed as “seriously funny” and “whimsically brazen,” Mnozil Brass is one of the world’s premier brass ensembles, blending original compositions with classical favorites, jazz standards and popular hits. The group’s virtuosic playing, coupled with their iconic humor and wit, is showcased in scenes so clever as to be worthy of Monty Python.

Co-presented with

Lucie Arnaz

I Got the Job! Songs From My Musical Past Sat, Mar 28, 8pm A mix of pop, Broadway, standards and songs about love and relationships. Lucie sings Gershwin, Mercer, Porter, Hamlisch and more with a fresh eye, intense passion and humor all filtered through her own life experiences. It’s a performance that will make you forget about the news and believe in love all over again!

Lucie has performed on Broadway in They’re Playing Our Song, Pippin, Lost in Yonkers, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, in the first national tours of Seesaw, Whose Life Is It Anyway?, Social Security, My One and Only and in London’s West End production of The Witches of Eastwick.

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Sponsored by:

Jerry and Whitney Mandel

Makana

Songs & Stories of Hawai'i Thu, Apr 9, 8pm Makana is a slack-key guitar master whose personal songs weave the roots of Hawai’i’s vast musical palette into a universal sound. With his distinctly original songs, infused with the spirit of Hawai’i, along with his own brand of “slack-rock,” Makana is blazing a new trail in the 21st century while paying homage to those who have come before him.

“He is a master, for certain, but blessed with sizzling showmanship.” — Honolulu Advertiser Series Sponsors: The

Hiland Foundation The Richard & Elizabeth Steele Fund

Designed by Nature Kakani Katija, bioengineer & research diver

Photo: MBARI / Inset: Mark Thiessen

Wed, Apr 15, 8pm Bioengineer and research diver, Kakani Katija, takes you deep into the midwaters of the ocean — one of the least explored ecosystems on our planet — and shares how its inhabitants could lead to breakthroughs in bio-inspired design.

Series Sponsor:

Bollywood Boulevard A Journey Through Hindi Cinema Live

Photo: Anne Whitman

Fri, Apr 17, 8pm | Sat, Apr 18, 8pm Experience the vibrancy, emotion and heart-pounding beat of Bollywood as never before. With dance, live music, storytelling and stunning visuals, go on a journey through a century of Bollywood, India’s famous film industry. From classics of the black and white era and timeless songs of the golden era to the foot-tapping blockbusters of today, Bollywood Boulevard has it all. Escape to the grand palaces and dance clubs and lose yourself in a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts of billions across the world.

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“The Adele of the preschool crowd.” ­— The New York Times

Laurie Berkner Greatest Hits Solo Show

Laurie Berkner is the undisputed “queen of kid’s music” (People magazine). With an average of nine million monthly streams and millions of CDs and DVDs sold, Laurie’s songs have become beloved classics of children worldwide. Laurie’s Greatest Hits Solo Show features popular hits like “Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz),” “Victor Vito,” “We Are The Dinosaurs,” “Pig On Her Head” and “Rocketship Run.” The rhythms and energy will keep kids enraptured…and adults can come along for the ride.

Sponsored by:

Montessori Schools of Irvine

Photo: Steve Vaccareillo

Sun, Apr 19, 2pm

Jungle Book Fri, Apr 24, 7:30pm Sat, Apr 25, 7:30pm

Based on Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale, the Jungle Book features your favorite characters like you’ve never seen them before. Using colorful animation, hypnotic lighting and inventive puppetry, this new theatrical adaptation is a joyous re-imagining of the best-loved stories told through modern eyes, transporting audiences to a jungle fantasy they’re sure to remember for years to come.

Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Airmen of Note Sun, Apr 26, 4pm Airmen of Note honors the bravery, sacrifice and dedication of our veterans.

Created in 1950 to carry on the tradition of Major Glenn Miller’s Army Air Force dance band, the “Note” features 18 of the most talented jazz musicians in the country today and is one of the last touring big bands. As a result, it has earned an international reputation as one of the finest and most versatile big bands of its kind in the world.

Support provided by:

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Photo: Gary W. Sweetman

A Kidoons and WYRD Production in association with The 20K Collective

presented by UCI Opera

Saturday, May 9, 2020 at 8pm Sunday, May 10, 2020 at 2pm Music by Lori Laitman • Libretto by David Mason Artistic Director: Dr. Darryl Taylor Conductor: Dr. Stephen Tucker

The Scarlet Letter is based on the novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne and adapted by Lori Laitman, one of the most distinguished composers of art song and opera in the 21st century. The story, set in Puritanism, follows the young Hester Prynne, who is charged with adultery, resulting in the birth of her daughter. The community forces her to wear the scarlet letter “A” embroidered on her chest.

Hester struggles to create a new life, wearing the letter as both a badge of shame and a beautifully wrought human artifact. It’s a classic novel presented as a musical powerhouse you won’t want to miss.

Rhinos, Rickshaws, and Revolutions Ami Vitale, photojournalist

Wed, May 13, 8pm Photo: Ami Vitale / Inset: Sarah Isaacs

From documenting war zones to donning a panda suit to remain anonymous among giant mammals, award-winning photojournalist Ami Vitale shares her images and adventures from a career spent “living the story.”

Series Sponsor:

“Sparkling…flawless.”

– New York Concert Review

Notte Vivace Sat, May 16, 8pm Trio Céleste, artistic directors featuring Chamber Music | OC and its renowned Pre-College Program and Orange County principal dancers, Tara + Vitor

A night of lively artistry styled by one of the most dynamic ensembles on the classical music scene today.

Hailed as “technically dazzling” and “the epitome of what chamber musicians should be,” Trio Céleste has performed in hundreds of recitals worldwide, including New York’s Carnegie Hall, Seoul Arts Center in South Korea, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The program will feature the world premiere of a dynamic collaboration featuring Trio Céleste, pianist- composer Cristina Spinei, with commissioned choreography and performance by guest artists Tara + Vitor.

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Joey DeFrancesco A four-time Grammy Award nominee with more than 30 recordings as a leader under his belt, Joey DeFrancesco is the master of the mighty B-3. Credited as singlehandedly reinvigorating organ jazz in the mid-eighties with his vintage Hammond, DeFrancesco has collaborated with artists including Ray Charles, Diana Krall, Miles Davis and George Benson. Called the “reigning king of jazz organ” (JazzTimes), DeFrancesco’s rousing technique is capable of death-defying pace and soulful improvisation, generating a swinging, joyous sound that’s unmatched among contemporary jazz organists.

Photo: Tracy Ketcher

Wed, May 20, 8pm

Skylar Campbell Dance Collective Finding its collective soul through masterful choreography and the fiery energy of its exceptional dancers, the Skylar Campbell Dance Collective is a touring troupe assembled

by Skylar Campbell, principal dancer with the National Ballet of Canada. Skylar, a Laguna Beach native, will join Illustrious principal dancers from the National Ballet of Canada, New York City Ballet and Boston Ballet, as well as stand-out dancers from every rank of the National Ballet of Canada in premiering their inaugural performance at the Barclay. The program will feature works of some of the most celebrated choreographers of our time, including George Balanchine, David Allan and Guillaume Côté.

Executive Producer: William J. Gillespie

Skylar Campbell

Photo: Karolina Kuras

Sat, June 27, 8pm | Sun, June 28, 2pm

National Choreographers Initiative Molly Lynch, artistic director

Be the first to experience the cutting-edge choreography created during the National Choreographers Initiative (NCI) this summer! Every July, Artistic Director Molly Lynch invites four contemporary dance creators to Orange County to develop a new work on a diverse cast of professional dancers.

The choreographers will unveil their new works at the NCI Discovery showcase at the Barclay on Saturday, July 25. Don’t miss your chance to see the latest concepts in contemporary dance. NCI is a Southern California endeavor with a national impact. Over the past 16 years, numerous choreographic inventions have premiered on the Barclay stage, to then be restaged by dance companies across the country.

Photo: Dave Friedman

Sat, July 25, 8pm |

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For Your Information Ticket Services Order online 24/7 at www.TheBarclay.org or www.facebook.com/IrvineBarclay/events

Call the Box Office at (949) 854-4646 Monday through Friday from 10am until 6pm; Saturday and Sunday from noon until 4pm. MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover accepted.

Get the Latest News Stay up-to-date on what’s happening at the Barclay by joining the E-list to receive email updates and special offers. Sign up online at www.TheBarclay.org or email us at info@thebarclay.org.

Children Children are welcome. However, not all events are appropriate for young ones.

A paid ticket is required for everyone entering the theatre, including infants and children.

The box office can provide advice regarding an event’s suitability for your child.

Group Sales Groups of 20 or more may receive a group discount. Call the box office for more information.

Refunds There are no refunds or exchanges, except in the case of a canceled performance.

Need Special Assistance?

Accessible locations for patrons with mobility impairments are available.

For best service, please make the box office aware of your needs at the time of purchase. Listening devices for amplifying stage sound are available at the concessions bar free of charge.

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Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit #588 Santa Ana, CA 4242 Campus Drive PO Box 5646 Irvine, CA 92616-5646

The Barclay will donate $10 of every ticket sold for the Sunday evening performance on Feb 9 at 7pm to the wonderful folks at Working Wardrobes. See a great show and support a great cause! www.workingwardrobes.org

Join the party and support

Working Wardrobes

Feb 8–9, 2020 Sat at 8pm Sun at 2 & 7pm

A feel-good tribute to the Harlem Renaissance.

Ain’t Misbehavin’ The Fats Waller Musical Revue

19 –20 Season Sponsor

Photo: Kerri Garrison

The 1978 Tony Award Winner for Best Musical